Storage device with a hanging file folder storage space

ABSTRACT

A file storage device has an exterior shell with an outer surface and an openable panel defining part of the exterior shell. The openable panel has a bottom edge, a forward facing surface, and a rear facing surface. The openable panel is pivotable about its bottom edge outward from the exterior shell between a retracted condition at which the forward facing surface is generally flush with the outer surface of the exterior shell and an open condition away from the outer surface of the exterior shell. A file support structure has a file storage area, an open top for insertion, access to, and removal of files from the file storage area, and a file suspension device provided to suspend files within the file storage area. The file support structure is disposed adjacent to the rear facing surface of the openable panel and is movable in concert with the openable panel. The open top is accessible when the openable panel is in the open condition. The file support structure is disposed within the exterior shell when the openable panel is in the retracted condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The present invention relates generally to file organization, andmore particularly to a hanging file organizer with a storage space thatcan be pivoted between a retracted, hidden position and an open,accessible position.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] There are many known file organizer and storage products on themarket that can store hanging file folders. These existing productstypically include desks, file drawer systems, file cabinets, and thelike. Such organizer and storage products often include drawers withhorizontally and longitudinally disposed wires, grooves, or the likewhich are adapted to support and suspend hanging file folders in alateral orientation.

[0005] In order to view an informational tab on such hanging filefolders, the informational tabs are often laterally staggered relativeto adjacent files to provide a semi-direct view to the informationaltab. Additionally, these types of organizers and storage products arededicated for file storage. The appearance of such products is typicallyclearly indicitative that the product or device is for storing files.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon reading the following description in conjunctionwith the drawing figures, in which:

[0007]FIG. 1 shows one example in perspective view of a storage deviceconstructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

[0008]FIG. 2 shows a side view of the storage device of FIG. 1 and withits storage area in a closed or retracted condition.

[0009]FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the storage device depicted inFIG. 1 and with its storage area in an open condition.

[0010]FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the storage device depicted inFIG. 2 and with its storage area in an open condition.

[0011]FIG. 5 shows an enlarged partial cross section of a portion of theexterior shell of the storage device of FIG. 1 and with the storage inthe open condition.

[0012]FIG. 6 shows one example of a file spacing mechanism that can beoptionally employed in the storage device shown in FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 7 another example of a file spacing mechanism that can beoptionally employed in the storage device shown in FIG. 1.

[0014]FIG. 8 illustrates one example of a pivot or hinge structure thatcan be employed in the storage device shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0015] The file organizer and/or storage product is described herein inaccordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The disclosedproduct solves or improves upon problems and deficiencies with known,existing file organizer and storage products.

[0016] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of one example of a storage device 10 constructed in accordancewith the teachings of the present invention. The storage device 10 inthis example has an exterior shell 12 with an outer surface. Asdiscussed herein, the exterior shell 10 and its outer surface 12 can beconfigured to provide an outwardly pleasing aesthetic appearance. Theshell can also be configured to provide an appearance that masks orhides the file folder storage capability of the device 10.

[0017] Further, the materials utilized to fabricate portions of theexterior shell can vary considerably and yet fall within the spirit andscope of the present invention. For example, the exterior shell 12 canbe fabricated from wood, plastic, metal, combinations of thesematerials. For example, various parts of the shell can include layers ofthese materials such that the exterior finish appears to be onefabricated from one material, although a different underlying basematerial is used. In one example, a wood material can be utilized tofabricate portions of the exterior shell, or an exterior wood veneer canbe added to an alternative, cheaper base material for an aestheticallypleasing appearance.

[0018] In the disclosed example, the exterior shell 12 includes anopenable front panel 16 that defines a part of the exterior shell. Thedisclosed exterior shell 12 also includes a pair of generally verticallyoriented and laterally spaced apart side panels 18 and 20. Each sidepanel 18 and 20 has a forward facing edge 22. The openable panel 16 isdisposed generally between the forward facing edges of the side panels18 and 20. In this example, the openable panel 16, when in the closedcondition shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, defines a front panel of the device10. In another example, the openable panel 16 can define only a portionof a front panel of the exterior shell, or can form a portion or all ofa different panel of a storage device.

[0019] In this example, the storage device 10 also has an upward facingtop panel 24 that defines a top support surface of the storage device.As shown, the top panel 24 is surrounded or partially bounded by a backstop 26 and a pair of opposed and spaced apart side stops 28. The backstop 26 and side stops 28 that extend vertically upward from three sideedges of the top panel 24. In this example, the side stops 28 areextensions of the side panels 18 and 20, but need not be so. In anotherexample, the side stops 28 may not be present at all. Similarly, theback stop 26, if present, can be part of a back panel (not shown) or canbe a separate or stand alone structure extending upward from a back edgeof the top panel 24.

[0020] Although not shown, a wide variation in the shape, size, contour,and the like, of exterior shell 12 can be utilized and yet fall withinthe spirit and scope of the present invention. The disclosed exampleemploys generally flat, planar, rectangular panels 16, 18, 20, and 24 toform the shell 12. In another example, a hood or cover (not shown) canbe disposed over the top panel 24 and spaced upwardly therefrom. Thehood can be supported by the back stop 26 and side stops 28 to provide acovered storage area over the top panel 24. However, these panels, theexterior shell 12, and/or its outer surface need not be planar orrectangular. Instead, the exterior shell can take on different shapesand configurations with varying contours without departing from thespirit and scope of the present invention.

[0021] In the disclosed example, the side panels 18 and 20 arerectangular and arranged with a vertically oriented elongate dimension.The top panel is also rectangular and has a larger width than its depth.The openable panel 16 in this example is generally a square rectangularconfiguration, although it can be any size as desired to accommodate aparticular storage device application.

[0022] As a further alternative, the storage device 10 can include aplurality of optional wheels 30, which are shown in phantom in FIG. 4.The wheels can extend downwardly from a bottom surface or panel (notshown) of the shell, or from corners of the bottom edges 32 of the sidepanels 18 and 20. The wheels 30 are optional, but can be provided inorder to permit moving the storage device 10 by easily rolling it alonga support surface.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the openable panel 16 can be pivotedto an open condition to access a storage area or compartment 40. In thisexample, the storage area 40 is a hanging file storage area that becomesexposed when the openable panel is moved to its open condition. As shownin FIGS. 1 and 2, when the openable panel 16 is in its closed condition,the storage area 40 is hidden within an interior (not shown) of theexterior shell 12 of the device 10. Generally, the storage 40 ispositioned behind the openable panel 16 and moves in concert with theopenable panel in this example.

[0024] In the disclosed example, the openable panel 16 has a bottom edge42 and a forward facing surface 44. The surface 44 is configured andarranged to define a part of the exterior shell 12 of the device 10 inthis example. The openable panel 16 also has a rear facing surface 46directed toward a storage interior (not shown) that is defined withinthe confines of the exterior shell 12.

[0025] The openable panel 16 is pivotable about its bottom edge 42relative to the exterior shell 12 of the device 10 in order to access orretract the storage area 40. The openable panel 16 can be pivotedbetween the retracted condition as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and the openedcondition as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In the retracted condition, theforward facing surface 44 is generally flushed with the outer surface ofthe shell 12 in this example. In this manner, the storage device 10 canbe constructed to mask or hide the storage area 40 within the shellinterior. The device 10 can be configured so as to not appear to house afile storage area or hanging file folders within its interior, butinstead to appear as another type of furniture or storage product. Whenin the open condition, the openable panel 16 has a top edge 48 that ispositioned forward and away from the exterior shell 12 of the device 10.In this open condition, the openable panel 16 provides access to thestorage area 40.

[0026] A file suspension device 50 is provided within the storage areato suspend hanging file folders therein. In this example, the suspensiondevice includes a pair of laterally spaced apart support structures 50positioned to support hanging file folders in the storage area 40. Thefile folders are generally depicted as folders 52 in FIG. 3. In thedisclosed example, the file support structures 50 are a pair oflaterally spaced apart, opposed, and curved suspension surfaces 54. Thesurfaces 54 extend rearwardly from the rear facing surface 46 of theopenable panel 16. The axis of the suspension surfaces 54 in thisexample are curved convexly upward so that they are arched upwardly.

[0027] The upward curve creates a cascading affect for the folders 52suspended thereon. The suspension surfaces 54 are arranged such that,when the openable panel 16 is in the open position, the storage area 40and the stored files 52 are exposed. The suspension surfaces 54 are at aslightly lower elevation nearer the rear facing surfaces 46 of theopenable panel and increase in elevation moving further away from therear facing surface. However, because the suspension surfaces are alsoupwardly curved or arched, the degree of elevation of the suspensionsurface becomes reduced approaching the exterior shell 12. Thesuspension surfaces 54 are also angled or tilted forward as illustratedin FIG. 4.

[0028] The combination of the arch, the curvature degree, and the degreeof tilt can be designed to produce the cascading affect. The cascadingfiles will thus be arranged so that the elevation of the top edge of thefiles 52 is lower toward the openable panel 16 and higher toward theshell 12. This presents the information tabs 53 on the top edges of thefile folders 52 in an easily readable manner, regardless of the lateralpositioning of the tabs.

[0029] The curvature of the suspension surfaces 54 in this example alsocan assist in providing a smooth gliding action when opening theopenable panel 16. Both the radius of the curvature and the position ofthe surfaces 54 relative to the swing arc can be manipulated to achievethe desired pivot motion of the storage area 40. These characteristicscan also be selected to create the desired file folder position andcascade pattern in the open condition. Rollers, bearings, or otherfriction reducing features can be added between the suspension surfaces54 or other bearing surfaces and contact points on the exterior shell12. Such friction reducing elements can assist the movement between theopen and retracted condition.

[0030] One or more stops 56, as shown in FIG. 5, can be employed to holdthe storage area 40 and openable panel 16 in the open condition. In oneexample, such a stop 56 can be provided at a rear end of each suspensionsurface 54. The exterior shell 12 in this example includes a frontopening 58 through which the storage compartment or area 40 can pass.The opening 58 becomes covered when the openable panel 16 is in theclosed condition. The opening 58 also permits the file folders 52 andthe storage area 40 to extend forward from the interior of the shell 12when in the open condition. An upper edge 60 of the front opening 58 canbe positioned relative to the stops 56 such that they bear against aninterior surface 62 of the shell 12 adjacent the front opening 58 toprevent further withdrawal of the storage area 40.

[0031] A pair of opposed wedge-shaped panels 70 can extend rearwardlyfrom the rear facing 46 of the openable panel 16 and be connected to anddepend from the suspension surfaces 54. These panels 70 can be providedand positioned to retain files and file materials within the storagearea 40. These panels 70, if provided, define side or enclosure panelsfor the storage area 40 and confine the file folders 52 therebetween.Though not shown, a rear panel and a bottom edge, end, or panel can alsobe provided to form a fully enclosed compartment in the storage area 40.However, the storage area has at least a top opening or access openinginto the storage area or compartment.

[0032] The file suspension device 50 and suspension surfaces 54 can bevaried or can differ from the disclosed embodiment. A file suspensiondevice of virtually any type can be employed in the storage area 40without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.However, in one example, the file suspension device can be adapted toprovide the cascading feature, though with a different than the supportstructures 50 and suspension surfaces 54 disclosed herein.

[0033] As is known in the art, a typical hanging file folder (not shownin detail herein) includes a pair of panels folded upon one another withan interconnected bottom edge and a pair of distal free edges at thetop. A support bar typically extends through an opening along each topedge of each panel. Each end of each support bar terminates at a hookconfigured to cooperate with a suspension part or surface to support thehanging folder. Thus, each folder 52 will typically have four laterallyextending hooks. These hooks typically rest on and bear against aportion of a suspension device, such as the suspension surfaces 54 inthis example. Each of the suspension surfaces 54 can employ a verticallyextending rib, though not shown herein, that extends along an inner edgeof the surface in an axial direction. The hooks of folders 52 can thenride along these ribs to support the folders as known in the art.

[0034] In other examples, the suspension surfaces 54 or other such filesuspension device can employ discrete and positive file positioningstructures so that at least the top edges of the hanging file foldersare spaced apart and held in such spacing. As shown in FIG. 6 in topview, a serpentine surface configuration can be employed on, formed in,or attached to the suspension surfaces 54 of this example. Peaks 82 ofthe serpentine feature define valleys 84 therebetween. The support barsor other portions of the top edges of the file folders 52 can restbetween the peaks 82 in the valleys 84. The length of the support bar orwidth dimension of the file folder 52, along with the depth and lateralspacing of corresponding valleys 84 can retain the file folders in theselected position.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7 in side view, each suspension surface 54 neednot be a smooth surface but can instead employ a saw-toothed or steppedspacing mechanism 90 either on, formed in, or attached to the panels 70and/or surfaces 54. The saw-tooth or step mechanism 90 can beconstructed and arranged such that a file folder support bar or otherstructure rests on a support surface part 92 of the saw-tooth or steppedmechanism 90. The folder support bar can then bear forwardly against astop part 94 of the configuration. Gravity will tend to draw the filefolder against the stop part 94 of the mechanism as a result of theorientation of the surfaces 54. The stop parts 94 will hold the filefolder in place in order to achieve the desired file folder spacing.

[0036] As will be evident to those having ordinary skill in the art,these and other of the optional features can vary considerably and yetfall within the spirit and scope of the present inventions. Though notshown in detail herein, the openable panel 16 at its bottom edge 42pivots forward from the shell 12 of the device 10. The pivot or hingedarrangement can be achieved in any suitable manner. One such example isshown in FIG. 8. A simple pin 100 can extend laterally outward from eachside of the openable panel 16. The pins 100 can be located near or atthe lower ends of the wedge shaped side panels 70 of the storage area40. The pins 100 can be retained in complimentary pivot openings orbores 102. These bores 102 can be provided in the exterior shell 12,such as in the side edge surfaces of the front opening 58. Certainly,more elaborate or alternative pivoting or hinge structures can beemployed without departing from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

[0037] Also as shown in FIGS. 1-4, a means can be employed to facilitateeasy manipulation of the storage area 40 for opening and closing same.In this example, a simple handle or knob 110 is provided extendingforwardly from the openable panel 16 near the top edge 48. Other handle,knob, or other such devices can also be employed as desired.

[0038] According to one aspect of the present invention, the disclosedstorage device 10 can be employed in order to reduce clutter, storefiles, and the like. The product can be configured so that it hides boththe materials stored therein and its very purpose and function as a filestorage device. When the openable panel 16 is in the closed condition,as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the storage device 10 can be constructed toappear as a non-storage product such as a piece of furniture, i.e., atable, a cabinet, or the like. The device 10 may appear as some type ofstorage device, but not one that is adapted for storing hanging filefolders. Thus, the device may have a more aesthetically pleasingappearance than a simple file drawer or file cabinet, and yet performthe same function.

[0039] In another aspect of the present invention, the storage device 10can employ a file cascading feature as described above. With the filescascaded, the identification or informational tabs 53 of the filefolders 52 are vertically cascaded and offset for easy readability by auser. Each file is positioned vertically higher than the next mostforward file and vertically lower than the next most rearward file.Thus, the informational tabs 53 of the file folders 2 need not belaterally offset in order for them to be read. The tabs 53 can be easilyread regardless of lateral position where the cascading feature isemployed.

[0040] The disclosed storage product can be used on a desktop, a floor,a shelf, or stacked with other like or dissimilar products. The consumerwill have easy access to the contents by merely tilting the storage area40 forward. The product can be readily stackable and be constructed fromtough, lightweight, and durable materials. The storage area can be madeof plastic or any other desired material and the shell can be made fromwood or other desirable material.

[0041] The disclosed storage device has one compartment that providesfile and other general storage. The compartment can be easily opened orclosed. When closed, the visible surface to the consumer may have amultitude of functions, other than a mere decorative finish if desired.For example, the front surface 44 of the openable panel 16 can include awriting surface, a white board, a picture frame, a cork board, or thelike. The product hides the files but maintains easy access and alsocreates a good perception of being tidy and well organized. The productoffers easy access and easy file tab readability. The product caninclude, but is not limited to, a cascading file storage means, atilting bin that enables the consumer to better read the file labels orcontents easily, and a decorative appearance meant to hide the truefunction of the storage device.

[0042] Although certain file storage devices have been described hereinin accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the scope ofcoverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, thispatent covers all embodiments of the teachings of the disclosure thatfairly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A file storage device comprising: an exteriorshell having an outer surface; an openable panel defining part of theexterior shell, the openable panel having a bottom edge, a forwardfacing surface, and a rear facing surface, the openable panel beingpivotable about the bottom edge outward from the exterior shell betweena retracted condition at which the forward facing surface is generallyflush with the outer surface of the exterior shell and an open conditionaway from the outer surface of the exterior shell; and a file supportstructure having a file storage area, an open top for insertion, accessto, and removal of files from the file storage area, and a filesuspension device provided to suspend files within the file storagearea, the file support structure disposed adjacent to the rear facingsurface of the openable panel and being movable in concert with theopenable panel, wherein the open top is accessible when the openablepanel is in the open condition and wherein the file support structure isdisposed within the exterior shell when the openable panel is in theretracted condition.
 2. A file storage device according to claim 1,wherein the exterior shell further comprises: a pair of opposed sidepanels; and a front panel defined at least in part by the openablepanel.
 3. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein the filesupport structure further comprises: a pair of suspension surfaces onlaterally spaced apart and opposed sides of the top opening.
 4. A filestorage device according to claim 3, wherein the pair of suspensionsurfaces are arranged to present files suspended in the file storagearea in a forwardly and downwardly cascading arrangement.
 5. A filestorage device according to claim 3, wherein each of the pair ofsuspension surfaces is an arched surface.
 6. A file storage deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein the exterior shell further comprises: atop panel providing a generally horizontal support surface.
 7. A filestorage device according to claim 1, wherein the exterior shell is inthe form of a table when the openable panel is in the retractedcondition.
 8. A file storage device according to claim 1, wherein theexterior shell and the openable panel combine to form a configurationthat hides the file storage purpose of the storage device when theopenable panel is in the closed condition.
 9. A file storage devicecomprising: an exterior shell having an outer surface; an openable paneldefining part of the exterior shell, the openable panel having a bottomedge, a forward facing surface, and a rear facing surface, the openablepanel being pivotable about the bottom edge outward from the exteriorshell between a retracted condition and an open condition, the openablepanel being generally flush with the outer surface of the exterior shellin the retracted condition, and the openable panel being positioned awayfrom the outer surface of the exterior shell in the open condition; anda file support structure having a file storage area, an open top forinsertion, access to, and removal of files from the file storage area,and a file suspension device provided to suspend files within the filestorage area, the file support structure disposed adjacent to the rearfacing surface of the openable panel and being movable in concert withthe openable panel, wherein the file support structure is arranged topresent files suspended in the file storage area in a forwardly anddownwardly cascading arrangement.